Small Craft Operator

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of Small Craft Operator without more than normal supervision which includes performing common operation of a boat, determining and following courses on the water, boat maintenance and make minor engine repairs and perform inspections. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Must have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex operation, navigation using Hydrographic Software and maintenance of boats at least 26 feet in length, engine repair, towing boats over land, launching and retrieving of boats from trailers, operate electrical equipment such as generators, VHF radios, operate surveying equipment associated with field data acquisition and data downloading for topographic, hydrographic and construction surveys.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Frequently lifts, carry and positions equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Heavier items are handled with the assistance of another employee. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work.Coordination of hands and eyes are necessary when operating controls to maneuver the boat and to hoist,lower and tend equipment. The operator must stand for prolonged periods and climb narrow, steep stairways and ladders.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Works on deck, exposed to sun, wind, spray, rain, and ice during year-round operation when mooring, unmooring, anchoring or weighing anchor, or assisting with experimental and sampling operations. Possible injuries include bruises or broken bones from moving equipment or falls on slippery and moving decks. Operator is exposed to the possibility of falling overboard; thus, a life jacket is worn at all times while on deck.